Committee OKs interim study of farmers markets and local food systems

Sen. Bruce 'Butch' Gillespie, Senate District 9, asked the House Agriculture Committee to approve Senate Joint Resolution 11, which would establish an interim study of farmers markets and local food systems with findings reported to the 70th Legislature. "This is one way to shore up our food systems," Gillespie said, describing farmers markets as a way to connect producers and consumers and support local economies.

Proponents told the committee the study is needed to resolve ambiguities created by recent changes to the Local Food Choice Act and related rules. Kalli Wicks of Grow Montana testified that markets play a critical economic and food-access role and that "there's a lack of clarity around enforcement, liability, consumer protection, and the statutory framework," making a collaborative study useful. Ben Catton of the Montana Environmental Information Center said stronger local food systems also contribute to climate resilience, noting an estimate that extreme weather cost Montana agriculture nearly $540,000,000 in 2024.

State officials were present as informational witnesses. Jillian Street of the Montana Department of Agriculture and Mercedes Oberle of the Department of Public Health and Human Services said they were available to answer questions about food safety and regulatory implementation.

After hearing proponents and informational witnesses, the committee moved to executive action. A motion to "do concur" on SJ 11 carried by voice vote with all recorded in favor; the committee reported the measure to the next stage with a unanimous 17–0 tally.

The study, if authorized by the interim committee process, would examine the Local Food Choice Act's implementation at farmers markets, enforcement questions, and possible statutory clarifications; supporters said such work would help keep farmers markets viable outlets for producers and safer for consumers.